High-flying Hull City have suffered a major setback in their pursuit of an instant return to the Premier League, after the club confirmed in a brief statement on their official website that captain Michael Dawson could miss up to a month of action due to a hamstring injury.

"Scans have confirmed that Michael Dawson sustained a grade two hamstring injury during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Bristol City," it stated.

"The injury is expected to keep Dawson out of action for three to four weeks."

The 32-year-old limped off during the first-half of the Tigers' draw with Bristol City at the weekend, and will now miss several games, including the visit of Derby County this Friday, the away trip to Elland Road to face Leeds United and the Capital One Cup clash with Manchester City in between.

The news is a massive blow to Steve Bruce's men, who have put the pain of relegation behind them to make an excellent start to the Championship season.